Massachusetts Proposes MMA Rules For Sanctioning

The number of Mixed Martial Arts fighters coming from the state of Massachusetts continues to grow. Already, fighters like Kenny Florian, Gabrial Gonzaga, and now the Rua brothers train out of the state. Now, the Patriot Ledger is reporting that guidelines have been laid out under a Senate budget amendment to get the sport sanctioned in the state.

Although professional MMA bouts are currently legal in the state, the state’s Boxing Commission does not regulate the sport.

Here’s a list of the proposed rules that will be submitted:

Bouts can consist of no more than five five-minute rounds. Fighters can win by knockout, submission, judges’ decision or referee/corner stoppage.

The referee has the full power to stop a match.

Participants must wear gloves weighing at least 4 ounces each.

A licensed physician must be in attendance.

A fighter’s license is automatically suspended for 30 days following a knockout, to allow for recovery.

A fighter who has been knocked out or submitted six or more times in a year must undergo a physician’s examination before being allowed to fight again.

The commission may revoke a fighter’s license at any time “in the interest of public safety.”

No person under 16 shall be admitted to an MMA event unless accompanied by an adult.